Who counts as a dependent under Social Security (SGK) is a common question. The term “dependents” refers to those family members who can receive benefits through a single insured person’s social security coverage. When someone is registered as the insured person, both they and their eligible dependents can access healthcare and related services under that insurance.
Who Are Dependents Under SGK?
Dependents of a covered employee, a retiree, or a civil servant are recognized by SGK as follows:
- Children under 18 years of age are considered dependents under SGK.
- Children who are enrolled in high school and have not exceeded 20 years of age are dependents.
- Children who are enrolled in university and have not exceeded 25 years of age are dependents.
- Spouses who do not work anywhere and therefore have no social insurance are considered dependents.
- Children with disabilities determined by SGK are dependents regardless of age.
- A person’s mother and father can be considered dependents.
What Are the Requirements for Parents to Be Dependents Under SGK?
For parents to receive coverage under their child’s social security, they must meet certain conditions. The requirements for parents to qualify as dependents under SGK are:
- The parents must not be employed anywhere.
- The parents must not be actively insured under BAĞ-KUR.
- The parents must apply for an income test (means test).
If these conditions are met, an application should be submitted to the provincial or district SGK offices. After review, and if approved, the parents can be covered under their child’s insurance.
What Are the Dependent Rules for Daughters Under SGK?
Daughters are included among dependents of their parents. Age and education-related limits vary depending on the insured parent’s start date. The periods during which daughters can benefit from their parents’ coverage are:
- Daughters whose parent’s insurance started on or after 01.08.2008 are dependents until they reach 18 years of age. If the daughter is in high school, she remains a dependent until age 20; if she is in university, until age 25.
- Daughters whose parent’s insurance started before 01.08.2008 can remain covered under their parent’s social security until legally married, even if they are not in education.
What Are the Dependent Rules for Sons Under SGK?
For sons, dependent rules do not change based on the parent’s insurance start date; they depend on the son’s education status. The rules for male dependents are:
- Sons can be covered by a parent’s social security until age 18.
- If the son is in high school, he can be covered until age 20.
- If the son is in university, he can be covered until age 25.
One exception applies to the Civil Servants’ Pension System (Emekli Sandığı, 4C). If the parent was covered by Emekli Sandığı before 01.08.2008, sons can be covered up to age 25 regardless of their education status.
Are Siblings Considered Dependents Under SGK?
Siblings are not normally considered dependents under SGK. They may be included only if they are disabled and in need of care. Under the regulation on the determination and care principles for persons with disabilities in need of care, a sibling who meets the necessary conditions can be recognized as a dependent.
Dependents Under the Civil Servants’ Pension System (4C)
For state employees covered by the former Emekli Sandığı (now 4C), a Family Notification Form is submitted when employment begins. This form, delivered to the employing institution, lists the insured person’s details and the personal information of any dependents in the household. For civil servants, dependents typically include:
- Children who live with and are supported by the insured: up to age 18, or up to age 25 if in university. Included among these are:
- Adopted children, if any
- Grandchildren who have lost their parents, if they live with the insured
- Children receiving alimony
- A spouse is included only if a legal marriage exists.
Where to Get a Dependent Certificate?
The “dependent persons certificate” is issued by the Social Security Institution. To obtain it, visit SGK provincial or district directorates and submit a “Health Assistance Request and Undertaking Form.” The form is available from the authorized department at SGK offices. If the applicant is a student seeking coverage under a parent’s insurance, a student certificate must be submitted with the form. For applications concerning a disabled child, include:
- Medical board report
- Original and photocopy of the child’s identity document
- Copy of the population registration (nüfus kayıt örneği)
How to Obtain the Dependent Certificate Online?
The certificate showing dependent status, called the “Müstehaklık” document, can be obtained online via the E-Devlet system. Use the SPAS Müstehaklık inquiry service to check eligibility. To query your status on E-Devlet, follow these steps:
- Go to the SPAS Müstehaklık inquiry page on E-Devlet.
- Click “Verify My Identity Now” and sign in using the available authentication method.
- After identity verification, the SPAS Müstehaklık inquiry will run automatically.
- Review the resulting document and print it if needed.
How to Inquire About Dependents by Phone
SGK dependent inquiries can be performed online, in person at SGK offices, or by phone. To check who is registered as a dependent, call the Alo 170 helpline. Alo 170 provides information and inquiries related to SGK, MYK, the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, and İŞKUR. You can also use their official website for additional services.